Michigan's Longest Garage Sale

This weekend August 13, 14 & 15, 2010 is the US-12 Hertage Trail Sale, Michigan's longest garage sale. Held annually since 2003, the garage sale runs for 212 miles along US Highway 12, sometimes called the Old Sauk Trail or the Chicago Road. The sales start in New Buffalo, Michigan and end in Detroit, Michigan.

The garage sale is an annual event that boosts tourism in the area that encourages residents and businesses to have sales or entertainment on their property. Some areas will be filled with sales while others will be scattered about, but you will be surely find great deals no matter where you go. One year a coffin was sold at a garage sale for $30.00!

In addition to garage sales, enjoy live entertainment, food, antique stores, flea markets, sidewalk sales, and other community events as you travel the route.

Garage sale starts in New Buffalo, Michigan and ends in Detroit, Michigan, August 13, 14 & 15, 2010. Maps and more information is available on www.us12heritagetrail.org/


visit http://rivercountry.com/ for more 2010 event information!

Colon Magic Festival: Colon, Michigan

This upcoming week, Colon, Michigan will be hosting its 2010 Magic Festival to celebrate the history of magic in the city of Colon. Located in southwest Michigan, Colon is located 30 miles south of I-94 and 20 miles west of I-69, halfway between Chicago and Detroit.

Colon was home to the Famous Magician Harry Blackstone, Sr. and Percy Abbott who originally founded the Blackstone Magic Company which is now the Abbott Magic Company, the world's top leader of magic paraphernalia. Though this small town of only 1,200 residents is normally quiet and set back, every year hundreds of magicians and tourists flock to the small town of Colon to celebrate the Magic Festival, founded by Percy Abbott and Recil Bordner.

First a small private event, the Magic Festival has grown to be one of the top magic festivals in the nation. In an attempt to boost poor sales when first opened, Percy Abbott and Recil Bordner decided to hold an open house. Fifty magicians from the area of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio came to watch as Bordner performed with other magicians while Abbott spoke about magic. In 1937 it was officially opened to the public.

Every first week in August, magicians, big or small, visit Colon in hopes to learn new tricks and share their new findings with other magicians. The festival has now grown to the Magic Festival hosted by Abbott's Magic Company and FAB Magic, bring a plethora of magic and shows to the small town. Featured magicians will be Two-Time gold medal champion George Saterial, Chris Hart and many more.

The Magic Festival will be held August 4-7, 2010 in Colon, Michigan. For more information visit http://www.magicgettogether.com or http://www.colonmichiganmagic.com/

Summer Begins in River Country

Summer is here in River Country and now is the perfect time to visit all our wonderful attractions. From all our beautiful campsites, parks and rivers to our detailed bike trails, you are sure to enjoy yourself.

THREE RIVERS WATER FESTIVAL

Currently going on, the Three Rivers Water Festival is an exciting event running until tomorrow June 19, 2010. The festival features live music, a parade, exhibit booths, food vendors, rides, games, tournaments, and more.

Friday night there will be a parade following the event. Also, a classic and old-car show Saturday morning and fireworks around 10:25 p.m. Saturday.

A variety of local and regional artists will be performing in the Community Tent on Saturday, June 19th from 11:00am to 3:00pm sponsored by Three Rivers Banking Center, with a different artist each hour such as Kathryn Tapper, Shelag, and returning this year is a crowd favorite- a Dulcimer Duo, and rounding out the great talent of the day is the Gray’s Community Band starting at 3:00pm. The Community Tent is located in Scidmore Park behind the old hospital building.

For more information about this event, contact the Three Rivers Chamber at (269) 278-8193 or visit the event website at http://www.trchamber.com/?page_id=58


FARMER'S MARKET IS BACK

The Sturgis Farmer's Market is back for summer. Dates coming up are July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. The market will be set up in downtown Sturgis. Local produce will be sold. For more information call 269-651-1907. For more dates, check out the Calendar of Events on www.rivercountry.com


FISHING IN RIVER COUNTRY



River Country boasts 58 lakes - 18 of which have public boat launches - and 16 rivers and streams for great fishing! The River Country Tourism Council also provides a guide to lakes, rivers, and streams in St. Joseph County.

Spend your vacation fishing in River Country, you will surely be pleased. We have a variety of fish including Bullheads, Crappie, Northern Pike, Sunfish, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Trout, and Yellow Perch.

Make sure to visit Colon Bait & Tackle in Colon for all your fishing needs! In business since 1966 at the same location. Complete line of bait & tackle and sporting good. Licenses. Sales. They know all of the great fishing holes. Located at East Corner of Blackstone Ave. and Franklin. 233 S. Blackstone Ave., Colon 269-432-3633.

Please Note: Anglers in Michigan (17 years of age and older) are required to purchase a fishing license, available on an annual or daily basis. Both are widely available at local stores. Other regulations relating to fishing seasons, fishing methods, and size limitations, are published in the Michigan Fishing Guide, available wherever licenses are sold. Visit Michigan's DNR at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr for more information.